William “Billy” James Hamilton passed away peacefully as the sun
was rising on April 27, 2022, at the age of 78 at the High River
Hospital. He left on his own terms and with a practical sense of
humor, just like he approached everything in life.
Billy was born February 4, 1944, to Bill and Ruth Hamilton, the middle
child between sister Isabella and brother Sam. He grew up on the
family farming and ranching operation in DeWinton which he called
home for many years before moving further south to Parkland. As a
boy, Billy and his siblings learned a love of the western lifestyle from
their mom and dad and kept very busy raising horses and cattle and
mixed crops. All three of the kids grew to be skilled horsemen and hard
workers under the guidance of Bill and Ruth.
As a young man, he left the family farm and headed South to work at
a cattle ranch in Oklahoma with his good friends, Don Sutherland and
John Neish where many great stories were made. Over the years, Billy
had the opportunity to pursue many endeavors away from home but
his fondness for the ranching and farming lifestyle always brought him
back to DeWinton.
Billy tested his skills as a steer wrestler before he eventually took up
team roping. Roping became one of the many hobbies he excelled at
and over the years he won many championships, both as a header and
heeler and his skill with a rope made him handy to have around come
branding time. He had an eye for a good horse, and he rode and trained
many through the years.
Billy never came across a broken fence or a piece of farm equipment
that he could not repair. If he had a jackknife, some baling twine, and
a pair of fencing pliers he could fix most anything; except his two
daughters crooked teeth, which he had to begrudgingly source out
to the professionals. He was good at everything he did, except for
cooking which led to his appreciation for burnt toast.
When he “retired” to Parkland he kept busier than ever, he drove truck
for a few years for Burnco and spent any free time roping with friends
and pursuing his renewed interest in leather work. Over the last few
years, he spent countless hours in his shop making beautiful tack and
last summer he finished his second saddle.
Billy was as genuine and dependable as they come; a true cowboy
who was tough as nails and a man of his word who could be counted
on for anything. He valued his friends and family, always made time for
a visit and was never too busy to enjoy a beer. His sense of humor and
his smile will be remembered by all those who knew him, his wisdom
and patience will be very much missed.
Billy was welcomed home by his parents and sister and many good
friends. He lives on in the cherished memories of his wife and best
friend Rosanne, his daughters Marci Lee and Cayleigh Ruth (J.T.)
and will forever remain a legendary Papa to his grandson, Chase
and granddaughters, Caitlyn (Jesse) and Amanda. Billy will be fondly
remembered by his brother Sam (Sharon) along with his extended
family and a long list of great friends and roping partners.
Billy had a good heart and a charitable spirit. In lieu of flowers or
donations, the family asks that you pay a kindness to someone in need
because he was always willing to help a friend or neighbor. At Billy’s
request, there will be no service. Please remember him fondly over a
beer and a visit and a few good steers in the pen.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Foothills, Tom
Baker and High River hospitals for their care and compassion with
a special thank you to nurse Amanda and Dr. Scott Rapske. We are
forever grateful to you for your service and kindness.
